Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas & Decor

The following guest post was created by Rebecca from Rebecca Chan Weddings and Events.

Weddings aren’t just simple dinners these days. Couples are wanting to personalize and elevate their celebrations, and, more importantly, create instagram-worthy moments that their guests will remember. To help, I’ve compiled some fun and easy ways to incorporate interesting ideas to spruce up your wedding reception decor and entertainment. Check out my favorite unique wedding reception entertainment ideas below!

Infuse Style Into Your Stationary for Instagram-Worthy Wedding Decor

1. It all starts with the invitation

Your wedding look starts from your invitation. It is the first thing your guests see and it gives them an idea of the style and spirit of the wedding they are about to attend. Do you have a color scheme in mind already for the wedding? This is a great place to start incorporating it. Will you be using metallics? A lot of stationary companies are able to include foil stamping for an elevated touch. Will your reception be formal black tie or a casual fun vibe? Your fonts and verbiage should reflect this. If you are sending out your invitations by snail mail, why not include a personalized stamp too? Wedding Invitations

Showcase your wedding’s style in your invitation suite. Make sure to remember to bring it on the wedding day to get captured along with the other details of the day!

2. Create a wow moment with name cards

When your guests enter the venue, create a wow-worthy way for them to find their names. So many couples hide it in the corner, or add in a seating chart last minute with no thought. Decorate this table with flowers and make it a focal point. Do something fun with it! Don’t forget to include their table numbers and dietary concerns if using the name cards as escort cards to their seats.

Name card table for a unique wedding reception entertainment ideas

Photo by Mango Studios.

For example, we created this beautiful welcome table with the florist, to greet guests upon entrance. There was no mistaking they were at the wedding.

Be creative in your food

3. Play with your food

Not literally! If you have a caterer, ask their chef to come up with unique ways to present and display your food. Ask them to create something for you off-menu and push their boundaries. Your wedding should reflect your unique personalities, and often times a great chef will not be afraid to do something out of the ordinary.

cheese boards for a unique wedding reception entertainment idea

Photo by Mango Studios.

These cute play on charcuterie boards were quite the hit at this cocktail hour! They included cheeses, meats, and a slice of bread on a clipboard for each guest.

4. Sweets as decor

Wedding cakes and sweets tables are making a comeback in a big way. They are no longer just an afterthought! Create a showstopping cake and dessert display that ties in the look of your wedding decor for a cohesive look. With a few tiers of cake, you can choose multiple flavors that you both love. If your cake has different layers, you can even do an ombre look within the cake layers so it looks beautiful when you cut into it. If you are having a sweets station, include some fun paper napkins as well.

Dessert table for for a unique wedding reception entertainment idea.

Photo by Mango Studios.

This dessert table was almost too pretty to eat! This sweets table was color coordinated with the decor and was a feast for the eyes, as well as for the belly.

5. Have a drink together

custom wine glasses for cocktail party

Some cultures take shots or cheers glasses of wine to celebrate a wedding. If this is a tradition you follow, personalize your shot glasses or wine glasses, or give them away as a unique favor to guests that they will reuse again. Or offer them at the bar for a fun surprise!

It’s all in the details

Memorable weddings are the ones that add a personal touch to the day. After all your bigger decor and planning elements have been figured out, you can start thinking about putting a personal touch to the finer details.

6. Take the Entertainment Outside

If you have any outdoor dining or lounge areas, bring in your own personalized pillows that match your colors or have a fun saying to them. You can always use them in your home afterwards!

A gorgeous outdoor terrace for a unique wedding reception entertainment idea.

Photo by Mango Studios.

At this wedding, the outdoor set up made a perfect addition for all involved guests. Don’t forget to personalize pillows if you have an outdoor lounge area.

7. Get the Furry Family Members Involved

So many of our couples include their dogs in their wedding day now. If you are taking wedding photos with your dog, ensure you have a designated dog handler for them so you can relax. Also get them a special dog bandana they can wear to celebrate the occasion with you!

A dog in a tux for a unique wedding reception entertainment idea.

Photo by Mango Studios.

Don’t forget to dress up your pup for the big day!

8. Play Some Games

Wedding reception entertainment ideas for party games.

Photo by Mango Studios.

Invite your guests to join in on interactive games during the reception to keep them entertained. Games involving trivia are always a big hit, and pitting tables against each other is a fun way to involve everyone. For example Instead of the “wedding shoe game” which everyone knows, make paddles that represent the couple, and do a trivia game with all the guests. Don’t forget to include prizes for table winners!

9. Bring Some Extra Fun to the Dance Floor

Unique wedding recpetion Entertainments ideas for the dance floor.

Photo by Mango Studios.

Surprise your family and friends with unexpected entertainment throughout the night. Vows have been given, toasts have been made, and now it’s time to dance. We love kicking off the dance floor with something energetic and fun like dancers, stilt walkers or a change of music. It’s a great way to signal to your guests that it’s time to get up out of their seats and join in on the action.

Resources Related to Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas

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